M & S lures Victoria’s Secret lingerie chief

High street retailer Marks & Spencer (M&S) has appointed Janie Schaffer as its new director of Lingerie & Beauty.

Schaffer, who will start her new role in early 2013, joins the company from US intimate apparel giant Victoria’s Secret, where she was chief creative officer responsible for all clothing, lingerie and beauty products.

She reportedly possesses significant knowledge and an impressive resume, which includes the launch and ownership of the Knickerbox brand.

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Schaffer’s appointment fills a gap that has been created by the promotion of Frances Russell.

The former Director of Beauty, who has been with M & S for the past four years, will become director of Womenswear with immediate effect. Prior to M&S, Frances worked at Arcadia her previous roles included brand director of Burton and Evans.

The two new appointments to the retailer’s General Merchandise management team complete the new team structure recently outlined by executive director John Dixon.

Dixon said: “Since joining the GM Team in October, one of my priorities has been ensuring that we have the right leadership team and right structure to take us forward. I am delighted to complete the team with the promotion of Frances and the appointment of Janie. We are now all absolutely focused on delivering the right product for our customers.”

M & S chief executive Marc Bolland said: “We have been able to establish a team that combines the best of M&S experience with exciting, new, external talent. Their impact will start to come through when we launch our Autumn/Winter collections in July next year.”